Month: July 2022

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Kyriakides calls for a reinforced and coordinated EU action on monkeypox management

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides urged member states on Wednesday to step up efforts regarding the surveillance, identification and reporting of monkeypox cases, as well as efforts concerning the isolation, contact tracing and vaccination, infection prevention and clear risk communication campaigns in all Member States and the EEA.

 

CNA learns that Kyriakides sent a letter to EU Health Ministers, in light of the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding monkeypox on 24 July, and called for a reinforced, concerted and coordinated EU action to address a developing global situation, where the European Union is the epicentre of detected cases.

 

According to the same information, the Commissioner underlined that solid and timely surveillance and data reporting at EU level are critical to feed into monkeypox control strategies, with the effective contact tracing and isolation of cases and the reporting of complete national case data to TESSy (the European Surveillance System) in a timely fashion. She also noted that close contacts must be identified as soon as possible, be informed of their exposure, their risk of developing infection and the symptoms of monkeypox, as well as of the need to isolate according to guidelines provided by the ECDC.

 

As regards medical countermeasures, the same sources noted that the purchase of more than 160,000 doses of Jynneos vaccines has been secured, funded by the EU budget and donated to member states and EEA countries associated to the EU4Health Programme. Vaccines are already being delivered to several countries, while two joint procurement procedures are in preparation for the purchase of further monkeypox vaccines doses from Bavarian Nordic and the antiviral Tecovirimat.

 

Public risk communication is also emphasized by the Commissioner and ministers are encouraged to intensify public risk communication with stakeholders and risk groups, in particular to raise awareness without causing panic or stigmatisation.

 

In addition, it is noted that healthcare professionals as well as community-based organisations need to be adequately informed so that they can continue to proactively raise awareness on the potential spread of monkeypox in the community and its prevention.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

 

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Foreign Ministry announces annual “Stella Soulioti” Human Rights Award and call for nominations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the 2nd annual “Stella Soulioti” Human Rights Award.

 

In a press release, it says that the Award was established by a Decision of the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and shall be awarded on 9 December 2022, celebrating the International Human Rights Day, to individuals/groups/Organizations who have demonstrated over the past year outstanding work and activity in a field or fileds directly related to the promotion and protection of human rights.

 

It also announces the opening on Monday, 25 July 2022, for submission of nominations or proposals for 2022. Anyone interested may either put themselves forward or nominate other individuals, groups or Organizations for the Award, by completing the relevant form, as appropriate, available through the links provided below.

 

Nominations or proposals can be submitted by/for persons or groups of persons legally residing in Cyprus, as well as by/for Non-Governmental Organizations registered and active in the Republic of Cyprus. Governmental authorities cannot be nominated or take part in the process. In office government officials and/ or high level public officials are excluded for nominating individuals, groups or Organizations for the Award.

 

Based on the relevant Decision of the Council of Ministers, the evaluation of the nominations/ proposals and the selection of the winner will be made by a five-member Evaluation Committee comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chairman), the Minister of Justice, the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) as well by two prominent figures in the field of promotion and protection of human rights.

 

The Award is accompanied by a prize of 10,000 Euro, which is intended to support the activities of the winning person/group/Organization in the field of protection and promotion of human rights in Cyprus.

 

Duly completed application or nomination forms should be addressed via post to “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Palace Avenue, 1447 Nicosia”, with the envelope clearly marked on the outside “Human Rights Award”.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Lithuanian Health Minister visits Center for Preventive Paediatrics in Limassol

Minister of Health of Lithuania Arunas Dulkys visited on Wednesday the Center for Preventive Paediatrics “Amerikos Argyriou” which is located in Limassol.

 

The Minister, who is paying a two day visit to Cyprus, was accompanied by Cypriot Minister of Health Michalis Hadjipantela, and was informed about the important work carried out at the Center.

 

“The fact that we chose the Center for Preventive Paediatrics as one of the visits of my Lithuanian counterpart says a lot about the work being carried out here” Hadjipantela told CNA.

 

The Center, founded in 1988 by the late pediatrician Amerikos Argyriou, offers free detection programs of prenatal check-up and preventive check-up of newborns.

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center, Dr. Argyris Argyriou, thanked the two Ministers for their visit, saying that the visit demonstrates the interest and support of the state for the services offered to pregnant women and newborns of Cyprus.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Greek and foreign officials address the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora

Deputy ministers and officials from Greece and other countries addressed the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora on Wednesday with messages for cooperation with Cyprus on the issue of diaspora.

 

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Chrysoulakis said that a very important part of Hellenism, which is the Cypriot diaspora, is gathered at the conference.

 

He praised expatriates who turned their values ​​and traditions into progress, in social and professional advancement in their new homelands, referring to admirably creative people, brilliant scientists, highly capable businessmen with the heart and mind in their homeland which is still divided.

 

Regarding the 120 young men and women of NEPOMAK, he said that when young people take over, Hellenism is not afraid of anything and urged them to become guardians of their heritage.

 

With regard to cooperation with Cyprus on diaspora issues, he said that with Presidential Commissioner Fotis Fotiou they have taken many steps and are planning even more, such as bilateral and trilateral agreements, exhibitions, concerts, gastronomy and new joint educational programs and programs for diaspora children. The President of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad of the Hellenic Parliament, Savvas Anastasiadis, sent the message that Hellenism is united, indivisible, timeless and strong.

 

As he said, after the alliances and agreements achieved by Greece and Cyprus in the last years, the two countries are stronger than ever. He added that Greece and Cyprus can adequately respond to the challenges they face.

 

Referring to Turkey’s challenges, he said that the need for Greece-Cyprus cooperation in the field of diaspora is clearer than ever, as well as the joint strengthening of national issues and interests, in the modern geopolitical context of uncertainty in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean. He also stressed that the current government of Greece promotes the further upgrading of ties with the Hellenism around the world.

 

State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Starovic said that when he came to Cyprus, he had two ideas. The first one, as he said, was to learn about the institutional framework and good practices on diaspora that Cyprus has, as Serbia has a large diaspora which is not as organized as the Cypriot diaspora. He praised the diaspora agreement signed 3,5 years ago between Serbia and Cyprus with many activities that the two countries could do together.

 

The second idea, as he said, was to make an appeal especially to young people when they come back home to try to make an outreach to their neighbors belonging to the Serbian community.

 

High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan referred to Armenia, Greece and Cyprus that have signed a memorandum of cooperation on diaspora issues. He added that there are great prospects of cooperation with the Cypriot diaspora in protecting the common interest around the world, creating youth and professional networks and closer cooperation between the youth of Cypriot and Armenian diaspora in the countries they leave.

 

Referring to Turkey’s growing aggressiveness, he said that it is imperative that Greece, Cyprus and Armenia increase the level of cooperation in all areas, including diaspora relations.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, responsible for Diaspora issues, Georghe-Florin Cârciu referred to the MoU signed between Cyprus and Romania.

 

He expressed his support in supporting the diaspora of the two states. He added that Romania has a very large number of citizens abroad and that in Cyprus it has a well-integrated community.

 

He said that the Republic of Cyprus is a good model in terms of the relationship of members of the its communities abroad, being a good example for Romania.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday with the Opening Ceremony, with 55 athletes the Cypriot delegation

The official opening of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is just around the corner and the city is ready to welcome over five thousand athletes from 71 countries and to host the second most important Games on the planet, after the Olympic Games, from July 28 until August 8, 2022.

 

The Cypriot team comprises 55 athletes, two more than originally planned as a place was given to the Cypriot table tennis team to participate in the Men’s team. On the other hand, two athletes had to be replaced and one withdrew.

 

Specifically, the athlete of Track and Field Olivia Photopoulou in 100m and 200m, as well as the swimmer Nikolas Antoniou, will not participate in the Games. The two athletes had participated in the Mediterranean Games and the World Championships in June and July, 2022 and their busy schedule prevented them from being in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games. The place of Nikolas Antoniou will be taken by the swimmer Christos Manolis.

 

At the same time, in the Women’s Beach Volleyball team Manolina Constantinou will replace Erika Nystrom, who was injured a few days ago.

 

As regards the additions, Cyprus secured participation in the Table Tennis Men’s Team tournament and therefore, Christos Savva, Iosif Ilia and Chiarpel Ilia joined the Cypriot team.

 

Opening Ceremony

 

With feelings of gratitude and honour the flag bearers of the Cypriot delegation to the 22nd Commonwealth Games Zoe Constantopoulou and Marios Georgiou will enter the Alexander Stadium for tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

 

Speaking to CNA, Zoe stressed that she is looking forward to living that great moment of holding the Cyprus flag in the parade of the opening ceremony. She said that it is also a great honour for her that she will be marching as a flag bearer along with the great athlete Marios Georgiou, who has honoured Cyprus in the Olympic Games and other World championships.

 

“I am very grateful to the Cyprus Olympic Committee for recognizing my contribution as an athlete and giving me this honorary position, while giving me an extra motivation as it believes in my team’s medal prospects,” she said.

 

Marios Georgiou also talked to CNA, underlining that he is very touched and feels proud for the honour given to him by the Cyprus Olympic Committee to enter as the flag bearer of the Cypriot delegation at the opening ceremony.

 

“It is an honour and I feel very proud to carry our flag at the opening ceremony of the Games and every time I see the flag of Cyprus flying high, I feel very special,” Georgiou said.

 

Birmingham’s Opening and Closing ceremonies will be staged at the newly redeveloped Alexander Stadium in front of a live audience of over 30,000 people and a television audience of over a billion.

 

With ceremonial traditions including the athletes’ parade and a stunning firework finale, the Opening Ceremony, that will begin at 19.00 local time, will open the Games with spectacle and emotion.

 

Iqbal Khan, Artistic Director of the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has promised to provide an unforgettable Ceremony.

 

According to the organizers, returning to the city where their career began, global hitmakers Duran Duran will conclude the Ceremony’s stunning musical offer, featuring some of the city’s most celebrated artists and promoting its emerging talent on a global stage, from Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi to vocalists Indigo Marshall and Gambini, under the musical direction of rapper, artist and educator Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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First-time asylum applicants in EU show annual increase by 66% in April 2022

In April 2022, 54,145 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU citizens) applied for international protection in the EU Member States, up 66% compared with April 2021 (32, 570) and down 28% compared with March 2022 (74, 950).

 

According to Eurostat, the decrease from March to April 2022 can be attributed in large part to the decrease in Ukrainian first-time applicants (from 12,885 in March to 1,510 in April; -88%), whose numbers had increased in March due to the military aggression of Russia on Ukraine.

 

In April 2022, there were also 5,555 subsequent applicants (people who reapplied for asylum after a decision had been taken on a previous application). This was up 2% when compared with April 2021, and down 16% compared with March 2022.

 

Source : Cyprus News Agency

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Gymnich to take place 30-31 August in Prague

The Informal Meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Ministers, known as Gymnich, will take place on the 30 – 31 August 2022, in Prague.

 

The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of EU member states is organised by the Czech rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

 

The format of the meeting allows for an informal and frank exchange of views on current issues related to the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

 

Meanwhile, on the 29 – 30 August 2022, the Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers will also take place in Prague. It is a high-level meeting where Ministers will have the opportunity to exchange views and point the way forward on the latest developments of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy.

 

Source : Cyprus News Agency

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EIB Board approves €1.59 billion of EU financial assistance for Ukraine

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €1.59 billion, supported by guarantees from the EU budget, to help Ukraine repair the most essential damaged infrastructure and resume critically important projects addressing the urgent needs of Ukrainian people.

 

According to press release by the European Commission, this is the second package of support for Ukraine under the EIB Ukraine solidarity urgent response developed in close cooperation with the European Commission.

 

It follows an emergency support package of €668 million fully disbursed within a month of the war’s beginning. Like the first one, this new financing is offered at favourable terms including long tenors.

 

Source : Cyprus News Agency

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Deputy Ministry of Culture and Cyprus Airports aim to promote the island’s cultural heritage and traditions

The Deputy Ministry of Culture and Larnaka and Pafos Airports aim at promoting cultural heritage and traditions of Cyprus.

 

Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Yiannis Toumazis met Larnaca airport CEO Eleni Kalogirou and the Hermes Communications team on Tuesday where they discussed ways to cooperate to promote the island’s cultural heritage and tradition as well as modern Cypriot culture.

 

A Deputy Ministry press release said the relationship between airports with art and culture in recent years has shown an impressive development as countries are exploiting their airports to promote their history and culture to thousands of visitors.

 

“Modern concepts want airports to be sites where they can promote and show current civilisation and the cultural heritage of each country”, it said.

 

Source : Cyprus News Agency